Miguel Rodríguez Orejuela

Full Name: Miguel Ángel Rodríguez Orejuela
Profession: Drug Lord

Nationality:

Biography: Miguel Rodríguez Orejuela co-founded and led the Cali Cartel. Along with his brother Gilberto, Miguel established the cartel in the 1970s, initially trafficking marijuana before expanding into the cocaine trade in the 1980s. At its height, the Cali Cartel supplied a large portion of the cocaine consumed in the United States and Europe.

The Cali Cartel was known for its less violent approach compared to its rival, the Medellín Cartel. Miguel and his associates preferred to use bribery over violence to further their criminal enterprise. This let the Cali Cartel flourish while the Medellín Cartel faced direct confrontation with the Colombian government.

In August 1995, however, Miguel was arrested in his Cali apartment after being betrayed by his main bodyguard. Despite his imprisonment, he continued to engage in the control of drug trafficking activities, prompting the United States to request his extradition.

In March 2005, Miguel was extradited to the U.S., where he and his brother Gilberto pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering charges. They were sentenced to 30 years in prison, with their plea agreement granting immunity to 29 family members.

Miguel Rodríguez Orejuela is currently serving his sentence at a federal prison in Pennsylvania. His expected release date is July 15, 2028.

Born: August 15, 1943
Birthplace: Mariquita, Tolima, Colombia
Age: 80 years old

Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Goat/Sheep
Star Sign: Leo